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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Altamonte Springs FL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Altamonte Springs FL employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Altamonte Springs FL dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Altamonte Springs FL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Altamonte Springs FL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Altamonte Springs FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Altamonte Springs FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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